In the highly technological environment of the modern neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the infant is physically, psychologically and emotionally separated from its parents. Recognition that this impedes parent- infant interaction and is detrimental to the infant, led to the development of programs such as family centered care, kangaroo care and skin-to-skin care1-3. However, they are based on the common premise that only NICU professionals with special skills can provide care for the infant. Parents are relegated to a supportive role, and some have described themselves as voyeurs who are "allowed" to visit and hold their infants4. Many feel anxious and unprepared to care for their infants after discharge5.